Saved by the Love of the Father

Theme: SAVED BY THE LOVE OF THE FATHER

           The first reading prepared us for the message contained in the Gospel. The people of Israel did not reach freedom by themselves. They were not saved by their own strength, but by God. The younger son of the parable did not find his way home by himself, he was led back by the freely-given, unlimited love of his father. Do we identify with either of these sons? Don’t we find in us something of the younger one, but something too of the elder? When do we think differently from the Father? Isn’t there anything we can change? The second reading is an invitation to be reconciled to God and to other members of the community, and is thus in harmony with the theme of the Sunday.

           This memorable or beautiful parable of the Gospel reading, is the story of a loving and compassionate father, a clear image of God. Jesus leaves the conclusion open-ended. We have to reflect on what might have happened, whether the older son gave in to his father’s pleading to be forgiving or whether he refused. How we end the story will tell us a lot about ourselves. Do we understand the measure of God’s deep and constant love for each of us, no matter who we are or what we have done with our lives up to this point? Regardless of our past, we all need assurance of God’s mercy, love and continued presence with us. St. Mother Teresa told a story of how she picked up a dying woman: “I remember, once I picked up a woman from dustbin and I knew she was dying. I took her out and took her to the convent. She kept repeating the same words: ‘My son did this to me.’ Not once did she utter the words: ‘I ‘m hungry; I’m dying; I’m suffering; She just repeating : ‘My son did this to me.’ It took me a long time to help her to say: ‘I forgive my son.’, before she died.” Do you have anybody to forgive? C.S. Lewis said, “ Forgiveness is a beautiful until you have something to forgive.” But, thanks to the good Lord, who forgives and removes our guilt. That’s a gift no money can buy. As Pope Francis said, “There is no better witness to the love of Christ than meeting a patient Christian.”